Bonus Round Game Cafe
3230 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
various · see site; walk-ins welcome
7 USD game pass pp + 10 USD min food/drink pp
verify on site — undated source
verified 19.10
Open Table
Open tables and game cafés (checked by hand)
Each card shows the date we checked it. Confirm times on the official page before you go.
Chicago Chess Center
166 W Washington Street, Unit 600, Chicago, IL
daily (Sun casual + quads) · Mon-Fri 18:00-21:30, Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun 13:00-18:00
membership adult 19.99 USD/month; most events encourage membership
verify on site — undated source
verified 19.10
Chicago Game Lovers - Monday learn-and-play at Monochrome Brewing
2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL
Monday · 17:30 (drop in and out)
no cover or minimum; asked to buy from venue
verified 19.10
Snakes & Lattes Chicago game night (Meetup)
Thursday · evening
7 USD gaming pass or 7 USD food/drink minimum
verified 19.10
Beer & Board Games Chicago at Navigator Taproom
1st and 3rd Thursday · 18:30
not stated
verified 19.10
Upcoming
Game nights in Chicago you can join
Check the official page before you go.
Mon16Nov
Free18:00–19:30
Relaxed board game night for adults at Austin library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)
The Austin branch on Chicago's West Side hosts a relaxed Monday evening of board games in its auditorium. Play the classics, learn something new and connect with others, whatever your experience; bring your favourite game or use one of the library's. The listing states that it is free. «Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Mon16Nov
18:00–19:30
Game night for adults, Budlong Woods Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods
On Monday evening 16 November the Budlong Woods branch of Chicago Public Library, on North Lincoln Avenue, hosts a community game night for adults with board and card games. The library names Flip 7, Rummikub, Scrabble, chess and Azul among many quick-playing games on offer, and invites guests to bring a favourite game they are willing to teach. Solo players are explicitly welcome, so you can arrive alone and be matched with a table. The listing notes that space is limited and asks people to stop by or telephone the branch to register. Accessibility help, such as sign-language interpretation, can be requested from the library at least fourteen business days ahead. The evening runs from 18:00 to 19:30, a short and friendly way to meet neighbours. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Budlong Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Wed18Nov
14:00–16:00
Retro Game Day: tabletop games at Near North library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Near North (Meeting Room)
Near North branch on West Division Street sets out old-school tabletop games for a Wednesday afternoon: Mahjong, Rummikub, UNO and more are provided, or bring your own favourite and teach the table how to play. Rediscovering a classic game is one of the easiest ways to sit down with strangers. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Retro Game Day: Tabletop Game Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Fri20Nov
13:30–16:30
Friday Mahjong Club at Clearing library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Clearing
Clearing branch on the Southwest Side, near Midway airport, invites adults to come and play Mahjong on Friday afternoons. The tile game with roots in nineteenth-century China has a long-lasting appeal and a table of four that always needs another player. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Mahjong Club» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Fri27Nov
Free11:00–12:00
Puzzle Club for adults at Avalon library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Avalon
Do you enjoy working on a jigsaw puzzle with a bit of company? The Avalon branch library invites adults 18 and up to join staff for fun and conversation while the group tries to complete a puzzle together. The library supplies the puzzle, and you can bring one of your own if you like. It is a relaxed late-morning hour on the Friday after Thanksgiving, with no skills needed and no pressure to talk; slide a piece into place now and then, or settle into a chat with whoever is next to you, and leave with the satisfaction of a picture slowly coming together. The branch is on South Stony Island Avenue, close to the Avalon neighbourhood. The listing states that it is free. «Puzzle Club» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sat28Nov
09:30–15:30
Saturday Game Day drop-in at Garfield Ridge library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge
Bring a game or play one of the library's: UNO, Skip-Bo, Mexican Train, Canasta, chess, checkers, Sorry and more. Players gather on the adult side of the building as space allows, and the stated aim is simply to make new friends. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Saturday Game Day» Starts 09:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun29Nov
13:30–15:30
Chess meetup at Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
On a Sunday afternoon the small meeting room at the Sulzer Regional Library, on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Square area, becomes a chess club. The library invites players of every level to sit down, play a few games and get to know other chess fans, and suggests bringing your own set if you have one. The idea is simply to meet people through the game, so beginners and experienced players are equally welcome. Because the room is small, the number of seats is limited, and the library asks everyone to register in advance through the Chicago Chess group page on Meetup, which will also send updates to those on the list. The meetup runs for two hours, from 13:30 to 15:30, and is in English. Accessibility support can be requested from the library well ahead of time. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Mon30Nov
12:30–15:30
Mahjong Mondays, Little Italy Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Little Italy
On Monday 30 November the Little Italy branch of the Chicago Public Library on West Taylor Street holds its Mahjong Mondays session for adults. The library invites people who would like to learn American Mahjong, as well as those who already know the game but need partners, to come to learn, practise and improve. No supplies are needed, so you do not have to bring a set, and players of every skill level are welcome. The programme is in English. The session starts at 12:30 and ends at 15:30, three hours in the middle of the day. It is an easy way to find regular tablemates for a game. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Mahjong Mondays» Starts 12:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Wed2Dec
17:00–19:00
Game Night for Adults with smooth jazz, Wrightwood-Ashburn, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Wrightwood-Ashburn
On the far South-West Side of Chicago, the Wrightwood-Ashburn branch on Kedzie Avenue puts smooth jazz on the speakers and lays out chess, checkers, cards and other games for a relaxed Wednesday evening. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Game Night for Adults» Starts 17:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Mon7Dec
18:30–19:30
Holiday Trivia Night at Canaryville Library
Chicago Public Library – Canaryville
A holiday-themed trivia game with questions from easy to difficult, and maybe a prize if you win. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.
Tue8Dec
14:00–15:00
Chess for all levels, Chicago Bee Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Chicago Bee
On Tuesday afternoon 8 December the Chicago Bee branch of Chicago Public Library, on South State Street, holds its weekly chess hour in a second-floor meeting room, led by a facilitator named eMadeline Morgan. The library says the hour is meant for people who have never touched a chess piece as well as those who have loved the game for years. You can learn the basics at your own pace, practise against other players, try strategies and puzzles, ask questions in a supportive setting and meet new people through shared play. The language is English and the listing shows no fee. It starts at 14:00 and finishes at 15:00. A friendly chess hour is a good way to start talking to people, because the game gives you something to do while you get to know the room. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Come Play Chess with Us» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Wed9Dec
14:00–16:00
Retro Game Day: tabletop games at Near North library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Near North (Meeting Room)
The Near North branch on West Division Street, between the Gold Coast and Old Town, sets out old-school board games for a Wednesday afternoon: Mahjong, Rummikub, UNO and other card games are provided, or you bring your own and teach the others how to play. A low-key way to spend two hours with strangers who quickly stop being strangers. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Retro Game Day: Tabletop Game Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Fri11Dec
13:30–16:30
Mahjong club, Clearing Branch Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Clearing
On Friday 11 December the Clearing Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 6423 West 63rd Place on the city's Southwest Side, runs its Mahjong Club in the afternoon. The listing invites you to come and play mahjong at the library and notes that the game has roots in nineteenth-century China and a long-lasting appeal. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. For anyone new to Chicago, or wanting an unhurried weekday afternoon in good company, a mahjong club at the local library is an easy place to start. The club starts at 13:30 and ends at about 16:30. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Mahjong Club» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Thu17Dec
Free14:00–16:00
Weekly adult game day, Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge
Every Thursday the Garfield Ridge branch of the Chicago Public Library on the city's south-west side holds a game afternoon for adults and seniors, and the one on 17 December falls in the middle of the holiday season. The regular crowd plays Scrabble, dominoes, Sorry, UNO, Yahtzee, card games, trivia, canasta, Mexican Train and more, and newcomers can ask for a different game or bring one of their own. The organisers say the group has been meeting for five years and would like to grow, and they describe it as a good way to get to know people from the local senior satellite centre and other community groups. The language is English. The session runs from 14:00 to 16:00. Staff can also tell visitors about other library services and programmes while they are there. The listing states that it is free. «Games People Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Mon21Dec
18:00–19:30
Budlong Woods Library Game Night
Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods
An evening of quick board and card games such as Flip 7, Rummikub, Scrabble, chess and Azul, and you are welcome to bring a favourite game to teach. The library says solo players are welcome and encourages you to make new friends. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.
Tue22Dec
17:30–19:45
Tabletop game night with staff who teach the rules, Northtown, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Northtown (Community Meeting Room)
Northtown's Tuesday game night is built for people who come alone: library staff teach the games and connect you with other players. The shelf runs from Catan, Carcassonne and Codenames to Sagrada, Jaipur, King of Tokyo and a Chicago transit game. Bring a game to share if you like. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Tabletop Game Night» Starts 17:30, ends about 19:45. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Mon28Dec
Free18:00–19:30
Relaxed board-game night between the holidays, Austin library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)
Between Christmas and New Year the Austin branch on the West Side runs a relaxed evening of board games in its second-floor auditorium: play the classics, learn something new and meet other players. All experience levels are welcome; bring a favourite game or use one of the library's. The listing states that it is free. «Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Tue29Dec
17:30–19:45
Tabletop Game Night at Northtown Library
Chicago Public Library – Northtown
Northtown Library's Tuesday game night offers a shelf of titles such as Catan, Codenames, Carcassonne and King of Tokyo, or you can bring your own. Library staff teach the games and help connect you with other players. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.
Sun3Jan
13:30–15:30
Sunday chess meetup for all levels, Sulzer Regional library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional (Small Meeting Room)
A friendly chess meetup in Lincoln Square's big regional library: play a few games and meet new people, whatever your level. Bring your own set if you have one. The room is small, so the organisers ask you to RSVP through their Meetup group (meetup.com/ChicagoChess), where any updates are posted. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun10Jan
13:30–15:30
Sunday chess meetup, Sulzer Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
On Sunday 10 January the Sulzer Regional branch of the Chicago Public Library, on North Lincoln Avenue, hosts a chess meetup for adults in its small meeting room. The invitation is simple: come to play some chess and meet new friends, with players of every level welcome. If you own a chess set you are asked to bring it. The room has limited capacity, so registration is required, and the library points to the Chicago Chess group on Meetup for signing up; updates about the event go to people on that RSVP list. The meetup runs from 13:30 to 15:30, a relaxed Sunday afternoon slot. Chess is a good game for arriving alone, because a board gives you an instant reason to sit down with a stranger, and you can leave with a new opponent for next time. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun17Jan
13:30–15:30
Sunday Chess Meetup for All Levels at Sulzer Regional Library
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
Players of all levels gather at Sulzer Regional to play chess and make new friends, and you can bring your own set if you have one. A chessboard is a ready-made introduction to a stranger. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.
Sun24Jan
13:30–15:30
Chess meetup, Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
On Sunday 24 January the Sulzer Regional branch of the Chicago Public Library, on North Lincoln Avenue, hosts a chess meetup in its small meeting room. The listing invites people to play some chess and meet new friends, and it says players of every level are welcome. Bring your own chess set if you have one. Space in the room is limited, so registration is required through the Chicago Chess meetup page named in the listing, and any updates are sent to the people on that RSVP list. The meetup starts at 13:30 and ends at 15:30, a relaxed Sunday afternoon of friendly games that suits anyone arriving alone who would like an opponent and a bit of conversation. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun31Jan
13:30–15:30
Sunday chess meetup at Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional (Small Meeting Room)
Casual chess on a Sunday afternoon in the Small Meeting Room of the Sulzer Regional Library in Lincoln Square, organised by the Chicago Chess meetup group: every level is welcome, from beginners learning how the knight moves to club players looking for a tough game, and the point is as much to meet new people as to win. Bring your own set if you have one; a few are provided. The room is small, so RSVP in advance via meetup.com/ChicagoChess, where any updates are posted. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun28Feb
13:30–15:30
Chess meetup at Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
Sulzer Regional Library hosts a chess meetup for players of all levels who want to play and meet new people; bring your own set if you have one. Space in the room is limited and the library asks you to register through the Chicago Chess group on Meetup. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Sun21Mar
13:30–15:30
Sunday chess meetup, Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago
Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional
On Sunday 21 March the Sulzer Regional branch of the Chicago Public Library on North Lincoln Avenue holds a chess meetup in its small meeting room. The invitation is to play some chess and make new friends, and players of every level are welcome, from absolute beginners to regulars. If you own a chess set you are asked to bring it, since sets may be limited. The room has a limited capacity, and the listing says that registration is required through the Chicago Chess group on Meetup, where any updates are also sent to everyone who has signed up. The library also gives an accessibility contact for people who need support such as sign language interpretation, with a request to ask at least fourteen business days ahead. It starts at 13:30 and ends about 15:30. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.
Host a game night
No table near you? Set one up in a minute.
Create a free invite (pick the Game night template), share the link, and the people who say yes bring the snacks. This is the whole host kit:
- A public table — a café, a bar's back room or a library room beats your living room for strangers.
- Two or three short games that take one minute to explain; save the four-hour epic for later.
- Cap it at 4–8 players per table and say so in the invite.
- Beginners welcome, in writing — it is the line that gets newcomers to say yes.
- Fixed end time, two to three hours, so leaving is easy and coming back next time is too.
Questions people ask
When is the next game night in Chicago?
Relaxed board game night for adults at Austin library, Chicago on Monday 16 November at 18:00. This page lists all 25 upcoming board-game nights, chess, quizzes and puzzle evenings in Chicago from our feed.
What is an open table?
An open table is a table where the organisers seat strangers together. You come alone, say you are new, and they explain the game.
Can I go to a game night in Chicago alone?
Yes. Tables are always short a player and quiz teams take solo players. Arrive at the start, tell the host it is your first time, and you will be seated and taught the rules.
Are game nights in Chicago free?
4 of the 25 upcoming game nights listed here are marked free. Others may ask for a drink, a ticket or a small entry fee — check the official page of each venue or event.
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